At approximately 6:39 p.m. Wednesday, the Rochester Police, Fire and Frisbie EMS responded to Salmon Falls Road in the area of Tara Estates for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a single vehicle into a telephone pole.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Jeep Wrangler driven by Richard Wilkins, 49, of 68 Brooks Road in Barrington was traveling northbound when his vehicle left the roadway striking the telephone pole breaking it in half. Wilkins suffered minor injuries in the crash and his vehicle’s airbags were deployed. As a result of the collision with the pole the Jeep Wrangler caught fire.

Salmon Falls Road was closed to traffic in the area of the accident for approximately an hour until the vehicle was removed. The roadway will be closed throughout the night from Tara Estates to Whitehall Road while crews work to repair the damaged pole.

Wilkins was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was bailed on $1,500 personal recognizance and a court date of Dec. 9. The Rochester Police are asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation, to call Officer Seckendorf at the Rochester Police Department at 330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.

With the holiday season upon us the Rochester Police are asking all drivers to use a sober designated driver or a taxi when out celebrating.